Closing the Seat Gap

The quality gap between luxury and mass-market vehicle seats has narrowed to next to nothing, according to JD Power analysis.

According to the company’s JD Power 2026 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study, the increase in complex seat controls like memory and massage functions in mass-market vehicles helped narrow the gap. But the successful integration of advanced seat features across both segments has led to an increased overall satisfaction.

The difference between luxury and mass-market seats shrunk to less than one problem per 100 vehicles, or PP100, down from 1.3 PP100 a year ago.

Overall seat quality improved about a point year-over-year to 10 PP100.

“This year’s data demonstrates that better seat quality translates directly into a better ownership experience for both premium and mass market owners,” said JD Power Director of Customer Success, OEM Solutions Lisa Boor.

“This year’s results reveal that mass market brands now outperform premium brands in seat satisfaction.”

The vehicles with the highest seat satisfaction per segment are:

Mass Market:

Small/compact car: Volkswagen Golf

Midsize/large car: Ford Mustang

Small/compact SUV: Nissan Rogue

Midsize/large SUV: Kia Sorento

Truck/van: Ram 1500